Life has two certainties, it has often been said, death and taxes. And while we have little if any control over either, we can take steps to ensure that both are partly taken care of. We can pay our taxes and we can look after ourselves in an effort to live as long and healthy a life as possible.

However, what if you are struck down with a life-threatening illness? Worse still, what if this happens and other people are dependent on you? While nothing can take away from the heartache associated with the death of a loved one, from a practical point of view, ensuring that your dependants will be taken care of financially can provide some reassurance. This is where life assurance comes in.

Clearing bills

Life assurance is money an insurance company pays to your beneficiary, such as your spouse, when you die. The company will pay an amount called the sum assured, in return for your payment of premiums. Following your death, a lump sum is paid to compensate your family for the loss of regular income, to clear outstanding loans and to provide for your children.

But how much will this lump sum be? What are the different types of life cover available and are there cases where a person has to have life assurance? By law, there is no instance where life assurance is compulsory, however this is not to say it is not necessary, as a spokesperson for the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) explained to irishhealth.com.

"You cannot be compelled to purchase life assurance, however it is a commercial reality that you may have to. For example, if you are taking out a mortgage, most lenders will require you to have cover", the spokesperson said. Generally the lump sum that is paid to your beneficiary is 10 or 15 times times your annual salary. However this can vary depending on things such as outstanding loans, assets and other income sources.

Types of life assurance

There are two main types of life assurance available; term assurance and whole of life.

Term assurance is the cheapest and simplest form of assurance available. Basically a customer chooses to pay premiums for a certain term, for example 25 years, during which time, if they die, their beneficiaries will receive a lump sum. However at the end of this term, the cover ceases. Therefore if something were to happen to you the day after your policy finished, you would not be covered.

Whole of life assurance on the other hand is a more expensive option as you are paying premiums for the whole of your life, however you will be covered until the day you die.

Many people taking out a mortgage opt for term assurance

"Different people have different needs. While whole of life cover is more beneficial, it is also more expensive. Many people who are taking out a mortgage opt for term assurance, for example if their mortgage is taken out over a 20-year period, they will choose to pay term assurance for 20 years also", said Jennifer Hoban, life assurance manager of the IIF.

Questions about your health

With life assurance, the premiums paid by customers can differ from case to case. This is because each application is looked at individually. The process whereby an insurer assesses what premiums should be paid by an applicant is called underwriting. If you apply for life assurance, you will be asked a series of detailed questions about your health. The assurance company may request a report from your GP and may also ask you to go for an independent medical examination. This is to ensure that the company obtains a complete picture of the state of your health.

Each assurance company has a chief medical officer, who is a doctor, to ensure that they interpret any medical information correctly. Where necessary, other specialist medical advice may also be obtained.

Each assurance company has a chief medical officer to interpret the medical details you provide

At this point the underwriter has three options:

To offer cover at a standard premium.

To offer cover at an increased premium or subject to special conditions.

To decline to offer cover.

According to the IIF, insurers will try to offer cover if at all possible and 'typically, only about 1% of applications for life cover are declined'. Where an offer is declined, the company may indicate that they may be in a position to reconsider the application at some point in the future.

Generally, just 4% of applications are offered premiums at an increased rate.

Genetic tests

It is extremely important that people looking for life assurance realise that they are under a legal obligation to disclose all relevant details of their health. If for example, an insurance company finds out that you did not disclose on your application something which was relevant and which you knew about, such as an illness, the company can cancel your policy. The only exception to this is with regard to genetic testing.

There has been much concern in recent years about the way in which genetic test results will be used by insurance companies. Because of the sensitivity of the issue and because the impact of genetic testing on insurance has yet to be fully assessed, insurers in Ireland have agreed that special rules should apply where genetic test results are concerned.

According to the 'IIF code of practise on genetic testing', an insurer cannot ask you to go for a genetic test. However if you have already undergone a genetic test, you may have to disclose the results, depending on the amount of cover you are taking out.

"If you are applying for life assurance cover and the amount of cover you are seeking, together with any other life assurance cover taken out by you with any insurer since May 1, 2001, does not exceed €381,000, then you are not required to tell the insurer about any genetic test results", the IIF said.

An insurer cannot ask you to go for a genetic test

If you are applying for life cover (or critical illness or disability cover) of any amount in excess of €381,000, then you are obliged to tell the insurer about any genetic test results. This position is a minimum standard which all insurance companies must adhere to and will apply until the end of December 2005.

Family history

Apart from genetic results, if you are asked on the application form, you must disclose any relevant family medical history, for example heart disease or cancer. You must also disclose any relevant non-genetic tests carried out, such as a cholesterol reading.

If you do not reveal the results of any tests where necessary, whether they are genetic or not, you are in breach of your legal duty to disclose all relevant information and your policy may be cancelled. This means that in the event of your death, your spouse may receive nothing.

With regard to beneficiaries, according to the IFI, policies are usually taken out with regard to family members, such as spouses or children. It is possible to make a non-family member a beneficiary, however this is more complex and certain taxes, such as gift or inheritance tax, may come into play. This should be discussed in detail with your insurance company.

Plan now

Finally it is essential to remember that the underwriting process takes time to complete. The need for urgent cover arises most frequently when someone is buying a house and needs the life assurance policy to be in place before the transaction can be completed.

Therefore you should apply for your life policy as early as possible in order to avoid delays. The earlier you take a policy out in life, the lower the cost generally.

Good article. I was thinking about applying for cover and now I have some pertinent questions to put to the insurer. For example, If at the end of term assurance policy you have not died, are you paid a lump sum or is it seen that your premium covered the risk associated with the term only and you get no money??

Are insurance companies obliged to break down the premium -e.g. increased premium for type 2 diabetes?
as a type 2 diabetic for example i was quoted Eur4800.00 approx on my life alone to cover borrowings of Eur246,000- is this comman place - it seems a lot of money for a condition that is well monitored and confirmed by my consultant??

Anonymous
Posted:
18/01/2003 17:39

Can a person paying a higher rate premium have their position reviewed if there is a vast improvement on their health since taking out the policy?

kevin(dockevinb) Posted:
21/01/2003 20:35

i recently heard of someone whose premium quote was loaded because he revealed a sibling had died of motor neuron disease . is this usual?

Anonymous
Posted:
22/02/2003 12:43

IS THERE ANY INSURANCE CO. THAT WILL COVER IF I SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION?TRYING TO GET LIFE COVER WITH MORTGAGE.

Anonymous
Posted:
26/02/2003 12:36

My husband has been refused life cover. We need it to secure an increase to our mortgage. Is there anything else we can do.

john(johnolo100) Posted:
24/04/2003 08:04

Taking out insurance is a gamble for both the person in question and the insurance company. The insurance company has to work out the odds of you will die during the term of the policy. To do this they will look at every possible mechanism that will give them information regarding your health. The human Genome Project has just been completed in the last few days. I dont think that this will have any immediate effect on genetic testing because insurance companies cannot compell us to take a test. However, as new diagnostic tests come on line (fuelled by the HGP) more and more of our genetic makeup will become available to Insurance companies because we are compelled to disclose genetic information gleamed by other routes. Maybe its time that the Government sets in motion some kind of protection for its people. I do believe that insurance companies already have access to our genetic predisposition to disease. Genetic diseases (some say all illnesses have a genetic component)can be established to exist by simply asking the question 'Has any of your family suffered from....'. We are going to be inundated with media hype regarding the human genome project, most of the information gathered from the project will enable researchers to tell if you have brown or blue eyes - something we have the ability to find out for ourselves by just looking.

John(Java1) Posted:
24/04/2003 09:47

Better late than never!
Anonymous 1, Re Genetic testing:
Genetic test results will only affect insurance if they show a clearly increased risk of illness or death.
If you are currently applying for a life assurance policy you don't have to disclose the fact that you have had a genetic test (i.e an analysis of chromosomes, DNA, RNA or protein to detect genetic abnormalities) providing the amount of life cover you are applying for does not exceed EUR381000 (total amount taken out or applied for between May 2001 and 31Dec 2005).
If you are currently having treatment, investigations, symptoms for a genetic condition then you have to write this down on the application. The insurance company will need full information regarding your family history.
The use of genetic test information in relation to life assurance remains a controversial topic.
The industry has not so far actively requested such tests and at present the main source of information is obtained from GP, specialist reports and the requesting of a medical examinations.
Main fears amongst public etc would be that this information could be used by insurance companies to 'cherry pick' good 'lives' and reject others. The other side of the argument is that this may deter those representing families with genetic disorders from taking potentially beneficial tests for fear of possible insurance rejection at a later stage.
Tommy J Re: 'hereditory illness'
In this case Life Assurance underwriting addresses the medical factors which MAY affect longevity. Eg heart disease, circulatory diseases, overweight, cancer, liver diseases, glandular disorders, HIV / Aids etc etc.
Anonymous 2 Re: 'it seems a lot of money for a condition'
Perhaps you should consider getting a second opinion? Insurance underwriters differ on their view of a risk and you may find that if you put in an application to several companies simultaneously you may obtain a more favourable premium. Naturally choose the one that is to your financial advantage.
Anonymous 3 Re: 'position reviewed if there is a vast improvement'
Yes - it is possible. First step is to contact the person who sold you the policy or your insurers customer service department. If you don't get anywhere consider taking same course of action as above 'Anonymous 2' to test the water.
Anonymous 4 Re: 'depression and life assurance' - companies differ in their views. It really depends on the severity of your depression and your recovery. People who have had depression can get insured. In some cases they may have to pay an additional premium.
Anonymous 5. Re: 'husband has been refused life cover'.
You may be able to exercise your right to claim exemption from the requirement to have mortgage protection on your husband - your lender should have told you about this.
Regards,
John Geraghty - CEO LABrokers.ie

Anonymous
Posted:
24/04/2003 10:11

Companies should insure you and put in an exclusion clause for death by suicide. I suffered from depression and I have life cover for Mortgage with Ark Life. Have you tried them?

Marian(mobrien) Posted:
24/04/2003 13:27

I suffer with Asthma and have been hospitalised twice in 30 years. For the last 5 years I have been using a new inhaler and haven't had an attack, yet my insurance premium is loaded 2 and a half times the normal amount and I was refused critical illness cover. I dont smoke or drink and am probably in better health them most people my age (late 40's). I have never heard of a smoker being loaded when applying for insurance.

Jim(mullij1) Posted:
24/04/2003 15:42

In response to Tommy, with regard to term life asssuarnce i have been told that it is basically similar to insuring your car for the year , if you have an accident it covers you, if you do not have an accident you do not get a refund, partial or otherwise of your premium.

Anonymous
Posted:
03/09/2003 09:05

In response to Marion's comment, I have also been refused serious illness cover despite the fact that the doctor carrying out my medical told me that I was perfectly healthy!!!!

Anonymous
Posted:
03/09/2003 09:07

if your doctor has noted high blood pressure once and has said it is something you need to check out in the future. i have not been diagnosed with high bp do i need to disclose this to insurer?

Anonymous
Posted:
03/09/2003 10:04

If your insurance company writes to your GP and then based on his/her report declines cover, you cannot/ shoul not accept that you are 'perfectly healthy'.
Ask your GP to ascertain the reasons for declining (or increasing your premium) from the Chief Medical Officer.

Anonymous
Posted:
24/09/2003 09:49

Is a person with life assurance obliged, after the policy is taken out, to disclose and new health problems with either themselves or family (mother/father)?

Anonymous
Posted:
07/01/2004 09:00

Before applying for life assurance, I provided all relevant medical details to my broker so that he could hunt around to see what the response of the life assurance companies would be. I have sarcoidosis type 3 which has been stable over the past three years. I was told by my broker that the insurance companies responded and indicated to me that there would be only minor loading. However, when I eventually applied they loaded my by 108% and declined my application for permanent health insurance. In my case, the insurance company did not request a medical report from my consultant but from my doctor on the state of my sarcoidosis which to be quite frank he is not an expert in. As far as I am concerned the insurance company did not act in good faith. To whom can I complain to about this?
Any thoughts?

Anonymous
Posted:
08/01/2004 09:06

In addition to anonymous posted 07/01/04 at 09:00, I have been refused critical illness cover without info being requested from my consultant who treats me for Lupus. My Lupus is well controlled for 8 years. It is a disgrace that they are not obliged to contact ones consultant before refusal as medical underwriters are not experts in all fields.

Anonymous
Posted:
12/01/2004 21:08

Being middle aged myself,I only believe insuring yourself when you are young!. As stated in the main story, the younger you are the cheaper the cover. The insurance companys are on a winner no matter what way you insure yourself. If you take out a policy when you are young the chances are you will let the policy slip after a few years. if your in the position that you are an older person you will be medically examined and you will be loaded especially if you are a smoker. Final point I took out a mortage protection policy in 1999 I was loaded as I was a smoker. The following year I gave them up and I'm still off them,still the Insurance company wont give me a reduction in my premium!.That doesn't sound fair to me, as I said the winners are the Insurance companys all the time. The longer you live the more it costs you to be insured.

Anonymous
Posted:
01/04/2004 16:58

I have been "deferred" a decision on life cover for a period of one year with no reason as to why given to me. I suffer from depression bipolar type 3 but when the underwriters asked for a medical report they only queried if I had an ecg because my father was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age 59 and 9 months and I had two ovarian cysts (benign) 10 years ago. Am I one of the unlucky 1% or is this wrong??

Pat(HCF11787) Posted:
02/04/2004 08:53

I am a 40 yr old man who suffered a heart attack 3 years ago. I had angioplasty and stent and since then been in great health. I have been refused life assurance when I applied for a mortgage last week. What are my options. Do insurers differ in their calculation of risk and if so how do I find the insurer for me?

Anonymous
Posted:
02/04/2004 09:21

Pat, There are up to a dozen mortgage protection providers in the market. A difficult medical case may be referred to the reassurers of the company and there are not too many reassurers.
I had a case of a client with a heart complaint. We submitted applications to different companies. One didn't want to know and refused outright. Another wanted to charge more than double the rate. Finally we obtained cover at 'ordinary rates' with our third application. Had the client given up at the first fence he would have assumed he was uninsurable. Just because one company refuses cover does not mean you are uninsurable.
Really what I'd say to you is steer clear of your lenders cover and find a really good broker whose knowledge in the area will explore all possibilities. Wishing you all the best.

Anonymous
Posted:
02/04/2004 09:23

My boyfriend was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease almost 3 years ago. He is now in great helath and his Consultant does not see any problems but we have been loaded badly on the Life Assurance. Is there anything we can do?

Anonymous
Posted:
02/04/2004 09:57

Yes. Reapply to the life office to see if they will review your case. Also submit applications to alternative companies to test the water. On the proposal form clearly disclose that you have been loaded and that the reason for your application is the expectation of obtaing a fairer premium.
If you are loaded substantially and if your policy is to be used as security for a loan then explore the possibility of asking your lender to waive the requirement for having to have mortgage protection.

Anonymous
Posted:
02/04/2004 10:02

I am 26 years old and in good health. I had malignant melanoma 2 years ago, which was sucessfully removed. I didn't have to have any chemotherapy/radiotherapy following the operation. When I applied for life cover last year, for my mortgage, I was aware that I would probably be loaded somewhat, so I chose to take a very basic policy that should have cost E150 for 1 year. The life company came back to me with a premium of E1,680 for the year!! I had to pay it as the mortgage company insisted on me taking it out, but felt that this was an outrageous price to be paying. The life company have said that I have to pay this premium for the next 4 years, at which stage my premiums will be reviewed. Has anyone else suffered from melanoma and if so, were you able to get life cover at a reasonable price?!

Anonymous
Posted:
05/04/2004 16:20

Can a cohabiting partner, as opposed to a spouse, be named as the beneficiary of a life insurance plan.

Anonymous
Posted:
06/04/2004 14:00

As far as I know a co-habiting partner cannot be named as they are not a legal relation

Anonymous
Posted:
11/06/2004 13:16

What if you knew someone in your family had a heart condition (a type of cardiomyopathy) and you knew you would probable have it too, but you were young and had a very healthy lifestyle (don't drink alcohol or smoke)? Can you be refused life cover? Even if you have never had any health problems?

John(Java1) Posted:
12/06/2004 20:19

A typical question on a proposal form for life assurance would read:
"Has any one of your natural parents, brothers or sisters whether living or dead ever suffered from diabetes, stroke, heart or kidney disease, cancer or any hereditary disease or disorder, (such as Huntingtons Chorea, Polycystic kidney disease) before 60"
If 'Yes' then you must agive full details. Failure to answer any question on a life assurance application truthfully will render the contract void at a claim stage.
There are also questions on a proposal form relating to genetic test results and family history including all genetic conditions.

Anonymous
Posted:
06/08/2004 17:35

How much or little does one have to smoke to be considered a smoker on life assurance policies?

Anonymous
Posted:
09/08/2004 08:37

If you do not smoke at all - then you are a If you smoke - full stop - regardless of whether it is 1 a week or 100 a day, then you're are a smoker.

Anonymous
Posted:
09/08/2004 18:36

If you give up smoking, how long do you have to wait to reduce your premium on a life assurance policy?

Anonymous
Posted:
10/08/2004 08:39

So far as I know, it's six months. By that time your lung health will have recved to between 60% and 80% of what a non-smokers would be.

Anonymous
Posted:
11/08/2004 16:52

An adopted person may not know their family medical history. How would one fair off with a life assurance policy should one become ill with an unknown hereditary disease, if one did not disclose to the insurer that one was adopted.

Anonymous
Posted:
12/08/2004 08:28

It states - family medical history that you are aware of. So you should be covered

Anonymous
Posted:
14/10/2004 21:52

I had a full hysterectomy in Feb04 to remove a malignant tumour on one ovary and prevent any risk of occurrence. I am now in perfect health, but have been refused mortgage protection cover by 6 insurance companies. Any ideas? I am at risk of losing my home following separation. I am age 45, female, non-smoker, good income.

Anonymous
Posted:
15/10/2004 09:52

Sorry I don't post too often so misesed a lot of this thread!
Smokers pay more for Life Assurance than non smokers.
If you give up smoking then you have to be off cigarettes for 12 complete months before an insurance company will give you lower non smoking rates. With some companies you have toi be off cigarettes 18 months.
If you smoke 1 cigarette you are a smoker. So if you don't consider yourself a smoker but have an odd fag with a pint then unfortunately you are classified as a smoker.
Persons who are heavy smokers may find themselves paying even higher than the standard 'smoker' rates.
The lady who had a hysterectomy. Get a good broker to shop around for you. You won't loose the house if you can't get mortgage protection because of ill health so don't worry -again ask a good broker for advice. There are solutions to your predicament.

Anonymous
Posted:
10/05/2005 15:23

I am 28 years old and have just applied for Life assurance as part of a mortgage. I am on a low dose of medication for high blood pressure for the past 2-3 years. I have been asked by my Insurance company to have a medical done by my doctor..my blood pressure is under control so should this effect my Critical Illness premuim?

Anonymous
Posted:
10/05/2005 17:03

High Blood pressure can lead to an increase in the amount you pay for a new policy so it may be no harm for you to consider submitting a simultaneous application to an alternative insurance provider to help you keep your options open.

Anonymous
Posted:
11/05/2005 13:20

Anonymous Posted: 10/05/2005 15:23 If your blood pressure is under control and you are unsure if your doc would have to disclose your history in his medical, go to another doctor whom upon giving you a blood test will see that it is not high. That said, you may still need to disclose your history yourself.

Anonymous
Posted:
11/05/2005 16:57

thank you for your comments, my doctor has probably already received the documentation from the Insurance company and will arrange a medical for me, i don't mind my doctor disclosing my medical history but i was just wondering if my premium increased would it be a big jump of 100 euro per month or just a 10 or 15 euro per month, it probably depends on how strictly the insurance company assess the report!..

Anonymous
Posted:
11/05/2005 17:06

Is it very neccesary to take out Critical Illness cover along with your Life Assurance for a mortgage or am I being silly suggesting not to take out Critical Illness cover?, it is just that the Critical illness cover is the most expensive part of Life Assurance.....do you know what are the most popular Life Assurance options that young couples opt for when applying for a mortgage?

Anonymous
Posted:
19/09/2005 20:19

had a kidney removed due to malignent tumour 15mths ago told it was slow growing and all should be well but still will have to be checked out yearly for life. Want to buy holiday home in France by remortgaging home (Lots of equity and small mortgage) am 47 years old will I be turned down for insurance and can I still go ahead with purchase My husband does not have any health problems so could just he be insured appreciate any imput

Anonymous
Posted:
20/09/2005 18:39

Anonymous Posted: 19/09/2005 20:19, you may not be turned downed but your premiums will more than likely be excessive. If the current mortgage is in joint names then you may have no choice but to go on the top up mortgage and still have to take out insurance. If only your husbands name on the current mortgage, let him fill out all the paper work. There will then be no questions regarding your health.

John(Java1) Posted:
21/09/2005 11:45

If its an investment property you may not need a life assurance policy. In this case it appears your lender is giving you the loan based on the equity in your own home. Worst case - could surviving partner afford the repayments themselves? Could the French property be sold - but check out tax implications.
In any event most people choose to have life assurance in place because they are investing for their own benefit and not for the benefit of their lender.
People with single kidneys can get insured. Find a good intermediary who will work with you on this. Don't use an intermediary who is tied to only one company.
If figures don't add up and if you can't get life assurance then don't put your own home at risk.

Anonymous
Posted:
21/09/2005 14:47

Update - I am the 45 year old female who had trouble getting mortgage protection following removal of malignant tumour. Had to wait a year (shopping around unsuccessfully), but finally got a policy. Costs about three times the standard rate, but at least I haven't los my home. Don't give up if you are in a similar situation.

terry Posted:
08/11/2005 17:16

i was diagnosed with haemachromatosis last year and wonder if it affect getting re mortgage protection.
my consultant says that my levels are just marginal i am barely in the zone where any treatment is required

Anonymous
Posted:
08/11/2005 21:32

I am the person buying in France who was wondering about mortgage protetction due to losing kidney to cancer. First active gave us the mortgage no sweat with just my husbands life being covered. We both had to go for medicals and the insurance company then refused me saying I could try again in 4 years, once I presented this to the building society they accepted it

gillysue Posted:
30/11/2005 17:55

I have heard that premiums are loaded for people who have had a HIV test? I have had one as part of a full STD screening which was negative. Does this affect my premium by much? Do i have to declare it?

jon Posted:
07/03/2006 21:30

I was told needed a pace maker ( Age 35yr s ) have low heart rate.I declined to get it done.Would this affect my insurance quote.

Mary Posted:
08/03/2006 10:21

GillySue, yes you have to declare it as should the find out by access to medical rcords, after for exacmple an accident (unrelated to HIV diagnosis) prior non declariation could render your insurance null and void.

Lucy Posted:
16/03/2006 11:07

Hi, I was wondering could someone help me with the following issue. I have recently received mortgage approval and last week put a deposit on a house. My mortgage broker was working out what my monthly repayments would be when he mentioned life insurance. I mentioned that I suffered from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He worked out that I would be paying about 60 euro more a month as a result of this. I am now really regretting mentioning it as my partner and I will just about be able to make the mortgage repayments without this extra cost. Should I not mention having this condition when filling out the form for life insurance?? Or would they eventually find out? I do not forsee being absent from work in the future due to this condition. However I am on daily medication to control it. Many Thanks for any advice.

Mary Posted:
16/03/2006 13:48

If it were me, and I was sure there was no way of hem finding out about the OCD, personally, I wouldn't tell them

John(Java1) Posted:
02/04/2006 18:06

Itís important to mention the area of non disclosure. When a person completes an application they have to answer some medical questions and I cannot stress how important it is that these questions are answered truthfully and in full. An insurance underwriter needs to know the full medical history of the applicant so they can decide terms. If someone looks for say E100, 200, 500k or more cover and intentionally does not disclose a relevant fact then they are effectively trying to defraud the company out of the insured amount. Failure to disclose information is dishonest, it is misrepresentation and fraudulent. In the event of a claim there would be an investigation and a claim would not be paid out. So even if you are in a hurry to get cover my advice is donít even consider it.
People taking out a mortgage can leave taking out a suitable policy to the last minute and there is always the temptation not to mention something for fear it will slow down the process of getting cover. My recommendation is apply in plenty of time and if you are letting someone else fill in your application form for you, check it for accuracy before you sign it.
Insurance companies share information which helps prevent fraud. Your broker may not know that an applicant has a previous history. Once it goes to underwriting they generally consult a central registry and in some cases an insurance provider may request copies of another providers records to help in the underwriting.
If you have a medical condition give the insurance company as much information as you possibly can - it actually helps your case.

Mary Posted:
03/04/2006 09:33

Jpohn, disclosure of certain things may greatly increase the cost of cover (with no other reason than pure greed on the part of insurance companies it would seem) or result on refusal of cover altogether.

John(Java1) Posted:
03/04/2006 13:05

Under-average lives should pay higher than the normal premium, for otherwise the life offices costing assumptions which are based on average mortality will be upset. Each proposer should pay a premium appropriate to the risk run by the life office. 95% of all applicants get cover as quoted.
You do not appear to appreciate the consequences of giving false information and of wilful non disclosure Mary and its certainly not a good idea to use this forum to encourage others to do so.
The client declaration that one puts their signature to on all insurance policies is clear. If you think a fact might be relevant then you must disclose it. If in doubt you must write it down

Mary Posted:
03/04/2006 15:30

John, ou say that Under-average lives should pay higher than the normal premium, but it frequently the case that insurance companies are charging over the odds where the risk is tiny.
Then it is more than costing assumptions will be upset.

Ola Posted:
09/04/2006 21:04

Im 29 & ive got cardiomyopathy. Im in the process of looking for Mortgage Protection & Im worried that I wont get a quote or that it will be astronomical! Im on beta-blockers & Im in reasonably good health. Any ideas??

Derek Posted:
20/04/2006 16:03

I have Crohn's disease and I recently applied for Life cover.I'm buying a house and Its becoming a problem.Has anyone gone through the same? Should I fear refusal or a higher premium.
I wouldn;t mind but I'm off all medication for over 2 years now...Help!!!

Mary Posted:
20/04/2006 16:51

As our off meds, perhaps you Crohns diagnoisis no longer applies - as with epileptics who have been off meds and seizure free for 7 years. They are thne no longer regarded as epileptic.
Check with your specialist maybe

Derek Posted:
21/04/2006 14:46

Thanks Mary.
Thats an intersting fact. At present the underwriters are waiting to hear from my Consultant. So its in there hands. We are supposed to close in a couple of weeks and he is on Holidays. It's so frustrating. If I can advise anybody buying property, It would be get your Life policies sorted out as soon as you can. Well all I can do is hound the man when he gets back on monday. Do you think I'll be refused cover?? I've had tests in the past but no operations or anything like that. Got to think positive I guess.

Worried Posted:
23/04/2006 10:26

Hi,
Just put a deposit on a new house but am sick with worry about getting Life Assurance! I am 26 year old non smoker but am very overweight. I am 5 foot 4 inches and weigh 15 stone. Will i be declined assurance and or is there an assurance company who are seen as "easier" to get policy from? Thanks1

Mary Posted:
24/04/2006 12:08

Derek, as Chron's is not life threatening - as in it doesn't kill, I can't see that it would really be a problem.
Worried, as a far as I remember, when I got my lie assurance, it was a rep for the mortgage broker who met me. I didn't even see anyone from the life assurance company, so unless your obesity is related to a clinical condition I can't see that, that in itself would cause a problem.

Karen Posted:
26/04/2006 13:49

Myself and my husband have signed contracts and paid a deposit for a house. We are meant to be closing the sale 2m, but my husbands life insurance has been declined and he is the main earner. We don't know why he is not sick. Anyone know any good brokers or insurance companies to try. Do we both need life cover to get the cheque from the bank?

Chana Posted:
26/04/2006 16:29

If you have been declined they MUST tell you or our medical provider why.

karen Posted:
27/04/2006 09:13

All the blood tests were negitive but the result was inconclusive so they want further tests to be done e.g liver tests, so they can't insure him until this test is done.Will another insurer take him he's in perfect health and the doctor's say this is only a precaution but they have to do the tests.

tiger Posted:
01/05/2006 00:45

I have recently had 2 anyphylactic reactions to an unknown allergen. My husband and I are in the process of buying a house and will soon need life assurance. Does anyone know any insurance company that will give cover for anaphylactic patients. I am the main earner so I presume I will have to have the main life assurance policy. Thank you

Anonymous
Posted:
02/05/2006 19:43

Im 29 & Ive just been refused Mortgae Protection from a company. Ive got Cardiomyopathy. Im on medication but Im in good health. Im thinking about trying other companies but would appreciate some advice.

Carol(XHZ45727) Posted:
05/05/2006 00:10

Sometimes Life Assurance is waived on one spouse however you have to have this inserterd as a Special Condition in the Loan Offer it really depends on what you are earning and how much u want to borrow as to whether the Lending Institution will agree to this

Anonymous
Posted:
09/05/2006 11:12

Say NO to insurance companies who
want to charge more for people who
have been diagnosed with crohn's
disease or ulcerative colitis.
As Mary says these are not life
threatening long term illnesses.
Mairťad
Irish Colitis & Crohn's Support

Michelle(VHV46674) Posted:
12/05/2006 17:40

Hi
I recently applied for life assurance and disclosed that I was out of work (short term)due to work related stress. My policy premium has been increased by 110%. Is it normal for assurance companies to have such a severe penalty especially when the problem is as a result of a disruptive employee ?

Anonymous
Posted:
15/05/2006 21:56

I have just been decined for mortage protection due to being overweight. I have no medical conditions but sole reason is weight. Does anyone know should I try another provider or am I wasting my time ?

Mary Posted:
16/05/2006 10:47

Anon, that to me sounds unacceptable. I too was overweight when applying - about years ago and it wasn't even taken into account. Unless it signifies other health problems or it's life threatening , as in for example, morbid obesity (BMI of over 40 as I understand) then OI can't see why an insurance Co. should take it into account.

jboy Posted:
29/05/2006 19:44

I recently got approved for a re-mortagage on my house. As a precodition I need to change my life assurance policy - however I'm HIV postive and have been told that no provider will insure me? What can I do?

Cassie Posted:
30/05/2006 09:26

Jboy, why is the mortgage provider tryign to make you change your Life assurance company. Surely once you have adequate cover that is all they should be interested in.
That sounds a little odd for them to be trying to get you to change providers.
Find out why they are doing this. Perhaps your current provider could provide the level of cover your your re-mortgage company now require.

Jane Posted:
10/06/2006 10:29

I was diagnosed with Genital Herpes 5 Years ago.
Can i be refused Life Cover because of this?
Have an offer in on a house and am nearly sick with worry that it will fall through if i dont. anyone else with herpes have life assurance with any irish companies?

Mary Posted:
12/06/2006 11:11

Altho' herpes is life-long, it is not life-threatening so I could not imagien why it would be an issue for life assurance.

Anonymous
Posted:
13/06/2006 13:27

My wife and I applied for a small increase to our mortgage bringing it to a total of E70,000 (this still leaves massive equity). While applying for life assurance and serious illness cover (s.i.c.) through the lender. My medical history reveled surgery both on my back (disc) and knee (cartilage). As these are not really medical more a result of sport injury the latter sustained after my recovery from the back surgery. How will the above affect my policy? Do I need s.i.c?

Mary Posted:
13/06/2006 14:20

They are not life threatenign but could affect your abiliy to work and hence pay your mortgage

Kathleen(kateyodea) Posted:
06/07/2006 11:08

I got my mortgage just over 3 years ago. At the time I was due to have tests in hospital for breast cancer so i couldn't get life assurance immediately. After much wailing and pulling of hair, my mortgage provider agreed to let me sign a waiver pending the test results which all turned out fine. I forwared all the relevant documentation and phoned several times but nobody ever got back to me, so I've been happily not paying premiums since.
Now however I need to top up my mortgage. Does this mean the whole Life Assurance debacle will be revisited again? I know the risk of not having life assurance, but I currently have no dependants so I really don't care what happens the house if I were to pop my clogs!

Lois Posted:
11/07/2006 17:35

I have applied for life cover and i have been declined as am overweight. My health is perfect, where do i go. I need this to draw down the money on my mortgage..can anyone guide me please as the bank won't accept the waiver.

Mary Posted:
12/07/2006 10:14

Lois, unless you are obese or your exess weight is affecting your health then they have no rason to turn you down. If they tun you down they mist give you the direct reason as to why.

Lois Posted:
12/07/2006 11:35

Thanks Mary.
I have no problem with my health, and everyone who is overweight these days is classed as obese to be honest. The reason they are giving is that i'm overweight, obviously they phrase it differently, but basically thats the reason. I just need someone to take a risk on me.

sam9766 Posted:
21/07/2006 12:40

i have been refused life insurance because i had a hole in my heart at birth which i had surgery to correct at the age of 7. This was successful and i was discharged from cardiology clinic when i was 15. I had an hystorectomy last year (may) and underwent a echogram which the results were normal my insurance company declined me insurance based on the medical report from the independant doctors report without asking for my echo report which i told them i had copies of, when i was refused obviously i was worried and went straight to my own practice i saw a doctor who had only started and i had not seen before. She checked my heart and said she could see no reason as to why i was being refused for a "heart condition" because as far as my doctors are concerned i dont have one she has written me a letter to submit to the insurance company with her findings. She also said how could they have made suh a decision without looking at all the facts. Iam now 32 this operation was 25 years ago and i have never even been to the doctor with a chest infection. Please can anyone help as i have been told that once you are declined for life insurance in ireland it goes on a registry and you will not get cover anywhere. I am in despair

Roisin(IMG49689) Posted:
21/07/2006 14:20

I have just bought a house and have taken insurance through the bank I have my contracts signed and my deposit paid. My loan is at 100% to be repaid. My partner has an incurable illness and I have just found out that the Insurance company will not cover him for the full term of the loan and therefor the bank will not allow us to draw the loan down. I have a closing date of 31/07/2006. Can they do this??? After lending us 10% of the value of the house for a deposit?

Mary Posted:
21/07/2006 14:46

Lois, you will on;ly be defined as obese if your BMI is over 30. A BMI of 25 - 30 is regarded as overweight.
Roisin, if I were you I would get onto my solicitor about that, or the financial ombusman maybe.

Cleo Posted:
21/07/2006 15:57

Sam, don't worry, even if your name is added to a register, those who added it can be compelled to remove it later if they were found to be mistaken. I would seek legal advice if i were you, and take steps immediately to have the situation rectified before it goes any further.
Roisin, yes they can refuse to grant you life assurance under these circumstances. When your mortgage was approved, it would have been 'subject to' you getting adequate insurance cover for the total amount. You need to seek independent advice from a broker immediately as regards an insurance policy that would cover all your needs and those of the lender. Under your circumstances, this may prove difficult though. If all else fails, you may need to have the mortgage in your name only in order to secure insurance.

sam9766 Posted:
21/07/2006 18:42

Thank you Cleo, My doctors letter said that she would not hesitate to recommend me to be passed fit for life insurance in order to aquire a mortgage i gave the echo report to the insurance company and they gave it to the chief medical officer who said he could not make a decision on it now and had to pass it onto someone higher again im hoping this is a good sign i have now faxed my doctors letter and i am waiting in anticipation but i have been told that once you are refused its almost impossible to get another insurance firm to even look at you

sam9766 Posted:
24/07/2006 08:05

did anyone manage to get life insurance here after being declined. My case has gone up tp the reassurers because a doctor at my surgery wrote a letter saying she would have no hesitation in reccomending that i should be passed fit for life insurance im waiting in anicipation. If i do not recieve life insurance i will be taking legal action

sam9766 Posted:
25/07/2006 23:16

since my last post i have had the insurance company turn there decision round they have now decided to give me insurance but are loading e by 225% which is ludicrous for this heart condition that i dont have so there is hope. You just have to be assertive and get your doctors backing. If your doctor backs you then you have more chance of turning the decision around, but just dont give up and take there word for it they cpuls have made a mistake. Good luck to all of you who are looking for insurance and maybe i will be able to give you a hand it would be great to help someone else

Agnes Posted:
26/07/2006 01:44

We had a mortgage for years, sold our home and took out a smaller new mortgage for our new home. When it came to Life Assurance, the company wrote to our previous G.P. who furnished them with a copy of our medical history.
We suddenly found ourselves being refused cover for my husband based on the report that the G.P. furnished, yet my husband had never attended this G.P.
The only contact the G.P. had with my husband was when he argued with her about her treatment of me, so obviously the G.P. had a grudge against him.
We eventually got cover but the policy was loaded because of my husbands 'medical history' yet he had no history. We attended a new G.P. who checked my husband out & found him to be fit and healthy but nevertheless the loading stands.
To this day we do not know on what grounds the policy was loaded for & as I have tried to point out, in the interests of his health wouldn't it be prudent for them to tell us what they think is his problem so we can at least try to have it fixed???
I have 2 concerns here.
Firstly, the breach of confidentiality on the part of our old G.P. and secondly the fact that the insurance company have us over a barrel, loading our policy for a condition that we do not even know about.
Do I have any recourse here?

Mary Posted:
26/07/2006 09:43

Agnes, your husband is entitled to a copy of the medical report for the old GP and if it has inaccuracis it must be corrected and can them be re-submitted to the insurance Co.
I would also contact the ombudsman in relation to this.
In fact you and your husband, barring any concerns about your psychological health, are both entitled to copies of all your medical records, once you are over 18.

sam9766 Posted:
26/07/2006 10:50

Agnes I totally understand what you are going through, The citizens advise centre told me that because i was in the doctors surgery and i asked him not to disclose the information about my heart which hwe did he has breeched patient confidentiality. If I was you I would go to your local citizens centre and seek advice. As for the insurance company i would also get quotes from other insurance companies and you can request that your medical notes be snet to your own gp for him/her to kook at then he/she can decide if there decision is justified or not if there is any more i can do let me know

Cleo Posted:
26/07/2006 11:11

Sam,
Glad you got it sorted out in the end. Even though the cost is a lot higher than anticipated, it's better than not being able to get it at all.
Maybe roisin will post again to let us know how she got on?

Agnes Posted:
26/07/2006 19:25

I did go down that route.
My G.P. got the report. There was 1 blood level raised but when it was checked, double checked & treble checked by my G.P. it was completely normal.
Once you have this problem with 1 insurance company, they inform all the other insurance companies so in fact, there is absolutely no privacy & certainly no solution.
In fact, as far as I am concerned it is the Insurance industry that run this country not the Government.
When you have a mortgage you are completely over a barrel & they can pretty much do whatever they like.

sam9766 Posted:
27/07/2006 09:03

Its not fair is it we are like little robots being prgrammed and no matter what we do there is no way out i now have a problem with my deeds to my house they have not been registered by my solicitor 13 months after our mortgage im surprised i havnt suffered with a heart attack over all the stres. But i have asked them to investigate as to what happened also when i got my premiums they hadnt loaded me at all i dont think because my husband premiums on his own were 34.63 for life cover no critical illness (for both of us for life covr and critical illness the premiums we were quoted were 76.96) then when they had revised it and added me back on the policy the premiums were only 37.56 how did that work out i really hope everyone gets sorted out im thinking of starting up a helpsite on the web to try to help people but im not sure how to start if anyone has any suggestions please let me know

Maggie Posted:
27/07/2006 09:25

Does this seem strange to any of you? when I got a mortgage (admittedly a fairly small one by current standards), over 5 years ago, I was 29 and applying on my own but for life assurance all I did was go through a questionare and fill in a form. No GP report or medical assessment was looked for.

sam9766 Posted:
27/07/2006 13:40

They only look for a gp report or medical if you have had any surgery in the last five years of if you have a family history of certain illnesses. In most cases as far as im aware there is none of these (or people choose to not disclose them, which really you cant blame anyone for not wanting to when you get so much hassle) but then they could refuse to pay if anything did happen to you and medical history was found out. I have been intouch with my local mp about starting a support group to assist peole having trouble with life insurance as i dont know about your areas but where I live the citizens advice always seem to give wrong information

sam9766 Posted:
27/07/2006 13:43

Agnes I looked into my gp disclosing information and was told that because when you go for life insurance you sign a form to allow your gp to disclose medical information about you to the insurance company then he is not in breech. The insurance forms ssk for all information concerning the patient. We need to get together and do something about these insurance companies.

libra Posted:
25/08/2006 18:40

hi there, i m 34 & applied for 2nd mortgage life assurance for my new home. i dont have GP but 1 guy an Dublin hospital is my Dr. i dont have any medical condition & no family history either. insurance broker are asking me to go and get my Medical examination done by a certain Dr of their choice as according to them thats the new policy of all irish life assurance companies and even with my declaration of being non smoker, non alcohol drinker, i have to go through all those tests. i wonder is it true or should i go to another broker? i'll highly appreciate the advice on this as my closing date is 28/08/2006. thanks

sam9766 Posted:
27/08/2006 08:31

Hi Libra,
When I went for my life insurance I was told by the lady who was dealing with me that had i not declared my hystorectomy I would not have been required to go for a medical as I had declared I was a non-smoker I would ring other insurance companies as you can get insured over the phone

Kitty Posted:
28/08/2006 08:48

Hi Libra, I have just checked with a collaegue of mine who bought his house approximately 3 weeks ago. He's 35, his partner is 32. They're both non-smokers and ocasional drinkers and they were not referred to any Dr. nor did they have to undergo any tests for life assurance.
They simply got letters, he got one from his GP (whom he hasn't seen in years as it happens) and she got one form her company Dr. and they just filled out a form.
That was only a few weeks back and they weren't told anything about this new regulation that your life assurance seems to be talking about.
I'd check with the industry regulator if I were you.

libra Posted:
28/08/2006 16:10

thanx sam & kitty. i am very much sure that there is no new rule and its happening just beacuse i am not registered with any GP and reason is very simple. iam a medical Dr myself and am feeling myself in very awkward position beacuse of that apparantely very unreasonable demand on behalf of Hibernean insurance to get my medical done by some other Dr of there choice. anyway i am trying few other companies. i'll appreciate any suggestions with lots & lots of thanks.

Maid Marion Posted:
31/08/2006 21:44

I work for a mortgage broker and we deal with Life Assurance Companies all the time. Every case is looked at on an individual basis and they can request a medical questionnaire be filled out by the Doctor called a PMA or they can request that the client goes for a Medical with a Doctor of their choice or they may decide to offer cover without these. You can be very lucky and get life cover straight away, but if there is any medical history at all or you're on medication of any kind then it is most likely they will at least request a PMA from your Doctor. If for any reason they refuse you life cover or load your premiums then you can go elsewhere but you would have to declare that you had already sought life cover elsewhere. They would find out anyway as they have a common database that all the companies use. They would then be very reluctant to offer life cover.

Colin(MYT51337) Posted:
01/09/2006 13:45

I was diagnoised with Leukemia in 1999 and had have being in remission since april 1999 and also had bone marrow transplant. I recently got married and my spouse and i remortgaged her house to put me on to it. But my life insurance is costing me an outrageous amount. Im charged 250 a month to have cover. Im perfectly health and have'nt been in hospital since 1999. how long do i have to live disease free before i get a fair rate for life cover. My partner only pays 12 euro and im forced to pay 250, its a joke.

Sarah Posted:
01/09/2006 14:33

To the lady who had malignant ovarian cyst. I had malignant ovarian cysts on both my ovaries nearly fourteen years ago and was
temporarily refused Life cover but after five years I was successful in getting mortgage cover, so don't give up

Agnes Posted:
10/09/2006 21:05

Thank you Sam & sorry for not replying to your postings earlier.
Well, its a no-win situation really.
We have to have the cover if we have a mortgage & it seems the Insurance Companies can just 'think of a figure'.
Then you live in fear that if something did happen to 1 of us, that they would find some loophole in order not to pay out.
Its all money for nothing for these companies.
Thank you Sam for clarifying the situation with the G.P. re. confidentiality but as it is in my case, its a previous G.P. who did the 'mischief' that we are now paying through the nose for.
When I rang that G.P. about what she told the Insurance Company, I was told that he wouldn't discuss it with me as it was none of my business!
Of course, if my partner died & the mortgage wasn't paid, whose business is it then?
Amazingly mean of that G.P. who has the cheek to call themselves a Caring person.

angel Posted:
07/11/2006 15:32

Hi. My partner had testicular cancer last year. He went through months of chemo but has been given the all clear and has been so for a year now. The thing is that we want to apply for a mortgage but ive been told that he will be refused life assurance. If so does anyone know how long we will have to wait to apply. Ive heard he has to be clear for 3 yrs, some say five years so im really confused. If anyone can help me that would be great. Thanx

Anonymous
Posted:
06/12/2007 15:11

Hi All
I had life insurance, so this renewal time I went out and shopped around for a cheaper quote. And decided a joint life insurance would be cheaper for my partner and I.
Everything was ok ... But last week we where asked to do PMA's ... Awaiting letters from this company! Who in the end do not send out letters only communicate thru the broker ... Crap indeed!
I have been told they will not cover me! Am getting a bit worried reading thru these various posts!! I am going to appeal and set it in stone WHY ?? WHY ?? ...
Will I get creased for more monies now!! If I said nothing and paid the outrageous monies our old company was looking for I would still be covered!!
Rip off Ireland indeed ....

nins Posted:
07/02/2008 18:50

advice needed!! I am lying awake at night worrying about this!! I took out a mortgage protection policy five years ago. When asked about epilepsy or seizures, I said i never suffered to save hassle. Thing is about nine years ago I was admitted three times in year to accident and emergency as had some type of seizure/ panic attack. It was when i was really tired or on night out. Anyway, my doctor has no knowledge of this and never stayed in hospital or had tests done. I'm just worried as have a wee girl now and would hate if anything happened and the mortgage wasn't cleared. Does anyone know if insurance companies could or would check a&e records? Thanks for any advice!

Anonymous
Posted:
08/02/2008 09:55

nins, first off, what were you diagnosed with as a rsult of your A & E visits? Was it a panic attack or a seizure as insurance wise, they are quite seperate.
second, if it was seizures, were you diagnised as an epileptic?
Third, what report did the registrar / a&e send to your GP?

nins Posted:
08/02/2008 14:58

Thanks for help anon.! I never got diagnosed with anything as I always signed myself out. What happened the few times was that I collapsed and people called an ambulance. It happened me once in Wales and doctor thought it was epilepsy and put me on epilim, but I think he was just crazy as never had scan or anythnig done. I went off it myself and therefore never went to G.P. about it. I don't think they were ever given name of my G.P. and if so I have new one anyway over five years.

Anonymous
Posted:
08/02/2008 16:00

Well nims if you were never diagnosed with epilepsy, I shouldn't think there was anything to worry about. After all the collapse could have been anything from low blood sugar to exhaustion for all the A&E team knew. I wouldn't worry about the welsh doc. Some docs have bees in their bonnet about certain things. My Doc is dead nuts on cholesterol and tests me every year - and it's perfect every year. If he didn't send a report onto your GP stating epilepsy, I wouldn't think you have a thing to worry about especially as you haven't had a collapse / attack since.

John(Java1) Posted:
08/02/2008 16:31

When a person proposes for any life assurance, mortgage protection, serious illness, permanent health insurance etc policy they must answer the health questions truthfully. Failure to provide true and complete information may render the contract void. In the insurance world if a person does not tell the truth it's called a 'non disclosure'. All insurance companies although in competition with each other share a common data base of applications. In the event of a claim if it is discovered the person witheld information that could have been known to them at the time and which they should have disclosed then they simply won't pay out. I don't have any sympathy for 'non disclosure' cases - its fraud.
If anyone makes a non disclosure then they should probably write to their insurers so they can make a decision. The insurer will probably write out to the customers GP for a medical report and based on this they will be able to make a decision. Insurance companies are usually very fair in this respect but it would really be false economy not to tell them.
When you are completing an application for insurance if there is any doubt as to whether a fact is material or not then you must disclose it. The only thing you don't need to tell them about is colds, influenza and minor injuries.

nins Posted:
09/02/2008 12:07

well to be honest John, you must work for one or you copied that off somewhere. You've really helped my sleep pattern, thanks!! anon. thanks very much for your advice. in fairness, thank you both. just hard to know what to do, as i don't and can't afford added expense in my life if i put it in and honestly, i know myself i never had epilepsy. It was just exhaustion and alcohol on occasions i think caused it. trying to curb the exhauxtion thing at the minute as my wee girl was up at half five this morning!!! i don't want to disclose something that I can't even explain.

Anonymous
Posted:
11/02/2008 10:01

JOHN, NIMS HARDLY NON-DISCLOSED A CONDITION SHE DOESN'T HAVE. SHE WASN'T DIAGNOSED WITH EPILEPSY AND HER DR. DOESN'T HAVE A RECORD OF IT SO THEREFORE THAT WOULD NOT BE A NON-DISCLOSURE.

Anonymous
Posted:
11/02/2008 10:54

Sorry, my last post was all in caps. Apologies. Nims, it does indeed sound as tho' John works for an insurance company. At the end of the day you cannot be compelled to disclose something with which you haven't been diagnosed. I was in school with a girl who in her early teens had a couple of seizures but the docs didn't disgnose epilepsy because the scan didn't indicate it. In your case, you had not diagnosis and your current GP doesn't have it on record.
John is incorrect in certain aspects. It is only fraud if you attempt to make a claim under false pretences, having deliberately withheld relevant information. Also there is a list which life insurance companies provide of conditions you are bound to disclose. There are quite number of conditions /illnesses not on that list other than colds, flu and minor injuries

John(Java1) Posted:
11/02/2008 11:56

I do indeed work in the insurance industry and have done so for past 25 years.
All insurance is based on risk assessment. The application form collects the necessary information to enable an underwriter to assess the level of risk.
An application form is a legal document with a declaration. In the declaration the applicants confirm that the information which has been supplied is true to the best of the proposers knowledgeand belief. Throughout the form and declaration there are warningsor statement about what facts should be disclosed and the dangers if all material facts are not disclosed. The insurer urges the applicant to reveal facts even where they are in doubt as to whether or not they should be revealed.
I'm afraid its's black or white. If a person did not or feels they may not have made a full or accurate disclosure then they should contact the insurance companies chief underwriter to clarify the situation. In most cases it can be resolved.
An insurance company will not repudiate liqability on grounds of non disclosure of a material fact which a policyholder could not reasonably be expected to disclose or on grounds of misrepresentation unless it is a deliberate or negligent misrepresentation of a material fact.
Nina, based on what you say here I don't think you'll have a problem but you do need to write to your insurer about it. Obtain their written reply and keep this on file with your policy documentation.

nins Posted:
11/02/2008 12:01

Thnks again anon. I never had a scan done. When I was thirteen I collapsed and i spent a week in hospital and they said that I didn't have epilepsy, that it was just a panic attack. It then happened a few times, as i said, when I was twenty, but I put it down to not looking after myself properly. It hasn't happened since and I didn't even put down that I had epilepsy when I was pregnant, because i know I don't. I'm just afraid it might be on record somewhere that I have, saying as doc. in Wales wanted me on medication for it! Thanks for your advice. I was going up the walls so to speak and it really helped.

angel Posted:
11/02/2008 15:50

My boyfriend had cancer back in 2005 he has now been clear for almost 3 yrs. Will he be refused life assurance??? Can anybody answer that. Thanks.

Bindy Posted:
11/02/2008 19:38

Nins,
You would be completely mad to write to your Insurance Company in regard to a condition that you do not have.
You say yourself that you were never diagnosed with Epilepsy. Regardless of a sole Doc prescribing you tablets which you did not take for long, it is obvious that he was wrong in his diagnosis. Epilepsy does not go away. It is clear that what you had was stress related and/or a panic attack.
Truely you are worrying about nothing. Your Insurance Company have no way of finding out about a condition that you do not have.
But mentioning epilepsy to them will automatically make them think that you are hiding something and you may very well live to regret telling them about a condition that you DON'T have.
Forget about it and get on with your life.

nins Posted:
12/02/2008 11:22

Thanks Bindy. I've decided that it exactly what i'm going to do. Move on and stop stressing or I will make myself sick!!!! Thanks again.

John(Java1) Posted:
12/02/2008 11:26

Anyone in any doubt about the seriousness of non disclosure should seek relevant professional advice from qualified persons.
I'm sorry but time pressure at work makes it difficult for me to contribute further to this discussion. Thank you to all for your views and best wishes.

Jeaney Posted:
24/08/2009 03:58

I was diagnosed and treated for Leukaemia when I was 16 yrs old and went into immediate remission after the first course of chemo. I'm now 28 and have been in remission for 12 years. I've just submitted an application for life insurance as I have been granted a mortgage subject to this. I know the insurance company have written to my GP who has replied stating that I am in good health and am not on any meds etc. Does anyone know how the insurance company might interpret this? Is it likely that they will still load my premium even though I am deemed to be in good health and am not being treated for any existing illness?